Many thanks to my wonderful beta reader Sam. H.
PPP
"Lord Sebastian, Mr. Darcy, you are just in time to join us for tea." Caroline's sharp voice shrilled out. She smiled and gestured at her brother, Georgiana, and Elizabeth.
"Forgive me, Miss Bingley; I arrived unannounced. I hope I am not disturbing you, but I met Darcy by chance in the bookshop, and he told me he was in a hurry because he wanted to have tea with you." He smiled broadly. "It seemed unfair for only Darcy to have the privilege of having tea with three such pretty ladies, and I decided to invite myself."
Caroline blushed. "It is my pleasure for you to visit us and have tea."
"Miss Darcy, Miss Bennet, it is nice to see you again."
To Caroline's frustration, Lord Sebastian sat between her and Georgiana but conversed almost exclusively with Georgiana. In fact, he seemed delighted with her. Darcy, whom she paid less attention to when Lord Sebastian was around, was sitting next to Miss Bennet, talking about London.
"Yes, I will be back in London ahead of schedule. Next month is my aunt's niece's coming-out ball, and her parents and my aunt want me to accompany and support her. Perhaps you know the Campbells, as they hail from Derbyshire."
Darcy nodded slightly and said, "Yes, I know Mr. and Mrs. Campbell. A few years ago, I met the former Miss Maria Campbell. She was a beautiful and pleasant young lady who married a baron."
Elizabeth nodded, "Yes. Her younger sister, Marianne Campbell, is also very pretty, but unlike her sister, she is quite shy. For some women, coming into society can be an intimidating experience, especially for shy young women. People are always watching you; some are most unkind, looking for faults."
"One thing that always amazes me is that all the young ladies I meet in London speak French, paint, embroider, and also play the piano. I do not know how they can accomplish so much at such a young age!" Bingley commented.
"Charles, you are talking nonsense! To be an accomplished woman, besides speaking French and playing the piano, a woman must speak Italian, sing, play the harp, walk gracefully, dance well, and have something special in her tone of voice."
"Furthermore, an accomplished woman must have a genuine desire to learn and expand her mind with extensive reading," Darcy added.
Amused, Elizabeth replied, "Given all the requirements a woman must meet to be considered accomplished, I wonder if any of you have ever had the pleasure of meeting a woman like that."
"Oh, Miss Bennet, I assure you there were several accomplished ladies at the seminary I attended. Since you did not have access to that kind of education, you cannot know such women exist."
"You are right; I did not attend a seminary." She paused and added, "But I had many masters, including piano, French, and Italian. I do not like drawing or painting, but my aunt insisted I should learn."
"Honestly, the first thing I look at is if she is pretty," Bingley said to divert the conversation.
"That is a good point, Bingley! I partially agree with you, but it is also important that she not be a hateful woman who only gossips." Lord Sebastian said with a half-smile. "And you, Darcy, what is your opinion?"
Darcy smiled and said, "Without a doubt, I think a lady should be kind, intelligent, accomplished, and, of course, pretty."
Elizabeth smiled slightly and nodded.
"Miss Bennet, I hear you will return to London next week. Is it true?"
"Yes, my Lord."
"Excellent! I received a letter from my father today, and he said he would throw a big ball in my honour in a few weeks. It will be my pleasure if you and your family would attend."
Very surprised by the invitation, Elizabeth replied, "Thank you very much, my Lord. It will be a pleasure to attend your ball with my family. Are you acquainted with my Aunt and Uncle?"
"No, I am not, but I have heard they have a nice estate in Derbyshire." Looking at Darcy, he paused and added, "You too, Darcy. You must attend my ball and dance with several young Ladies. I would be delighted if Miss Darcy also attended, so I could dance with her." He said this, looking at Georgiana with a smile on his face.
Caroline saw the way Lord Sebastian looked at Georgiana and interpreted it as the admiring look of a suitor. She also noticed Darcy was looking more than necessary at Miss Bennet. She must find an opportunity to warn Lord Sebastian about the rumours circulating in London concerning Georgiana and what happened in Meryton.
"Yes, we will return to London in a few days," Darcy commented.
"Charles, why do we not go back to London? I do not like this place, and our friends, including the Darcys and Lord Sebastian, will all be in London."
Bingley shook his head and said, "No, Caroline; I want to stay in Hertfordshire for a few more months, and I still have much to learn about administrating an estate." He looked at his sister and said, "You can go back to London on your own if you like."
Caroline was horrified. "I cannot go back alone! The Hursts are not in London."
"Ah, well, a pity, Caroline, but I am staying here for a while."